How to video your boat using a smartphone

Shoot a good boat video with nothing but your smartphone and sell your boat faster.

By Tim Claxton

December 17, 2015

Research has shown that boats with videos attached to their online listings sell significantly faster than those without. But although modern smartphones have amazing video recording capabilities, they aren't perfect. Take a look at the short video below and read the article for a few simple ways of getting the best out of your smartphone to video your boat.

1. Stay horizontal

While we typically hold our phones vertically, this is not a great format for video. We live in a world of widescreen desktops, TVs, and tablets. So hold your phone horizontally when you shoot video, and create an expansive view.

2. Use a tripod

Purchasing a stand for your phone is a smart move. The Joby Griptight GorillaPod is a very useful tripod, not only to hold your phone for creating smooth panning shots, but also because of its wrap-able legs. These allow you to secure the phone to the boat, shoot a selfie, or to capture the boat underway.

Attach your phone to rails, sit it on the cabin-top, or hang it from a halyard with the Griptight GorillaPod.

3. Audio is important

While the focus here is visual, audio can make or break your video. Investing in a better microphone will really improve the quality—especially if you’re doing a voiceover, shooting while underway, or in windy conditions. Ampridge makes some great products for smartphones including a shotgun microphone that reduces unwanted noise. However, to get the best sound try using their Bluetooth wireless lavaliere version.

4. Free up memory

Video files will quickly consume your smartphone memory, especially if you have limited storage. Bring a computer with you to offload your clips, so you don’t run out of space before getting all the shots you want.

5. Get close

Avoid using zoom, as the image will quickly become grainy—especially in low light. Pick a sunny day and position the camera close up to the area of the boat you’re shooting. You can also use a clip-on wide-angle lens such as the Olloclip to get a broader perspective, which is useful for small spaces such as the head or engine compartment.

Clip-on lenses can change the view of a smartphone video camera significantly.

The data tells us that videos help sell boats. So when you’re ready to put your pride and joy up for sale (see Sell my boat), grab your phone and start shooting. And for more information on buying and selling boats, visit our Buying & Selling section.